Ghostface Original Star Matthew Lillard Is Anxious He Could Ruin the Franchise with Scream 7.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters in the coming year, and it is gearing up for a major gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter signals the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the last entry. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a role you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard reveals.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallon Favorites

It has been established that three different characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, even though dying in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Fans should get ready for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the director and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the franchise for the first time since a small appearance is a long-held wish, even if he is terrified about the audience response. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he got the news from the original writer.

"I recall the phone call. I remember the pleasantries. I recall him posing the question. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he says. "So I'm really proud to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has attained iconic status in the decades since the original film was released, which made Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

"The reality is, that's a role that is infamous, like it or not," he explains. "A character that is now embodied in each and every Ghostface mask that appears every October 31st."

The Fear of Disappointing the Fans

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the finished film. He confesses to feeling immense anxiety about hoping not to be the one who ruins the popular franchise.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "At the start, I have no idea if the movie's be successful. I am unsure if people want to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this idea?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not mess up the series. I don't want people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Excitement Abound

While many longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back persists. Perhaps they exist as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a previous plot device. Alternatively, maybe they are in some way still living in a bizarre communal scenario. The possibility of a meta-horror story, inspired by earlier horror movies, also is on the table.

Moviegoers will discover the answer when Scream 7 arrives in theaters.